Last updated on Feb. 21, 2025 by the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) 

For more information on TPS and DED from ASAP, including new protections, visit: https://help.asylumadvocacy.org/temporary-protected-status/ 

Note: This information is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer. 

TPS is a temporary immigration status provided to individuals from specific countries. The U.S. government decides what countries should receive TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, such as war or an environmental disaster or, in certain circumstances, when the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.  

DED is in the president’s discretion to authorize as part of his constitutional power to conduct foreign relations. DED is not a specific immigration status, however individuals covered by DED are not subject to removal from the United States for a designated period of time.  

To receive TPS, you must be from a specific country that is designated by the U.S. government and already be located in the U.S. at a specific date. You also have to submit an application by a specific date, and re-register if the TPS for your country is extended. The dates are different for each country with TPS.  

Some people may be able to apply or re-register for TPS late, but you should talk to a lawyer about that possibility. If you have a criminal history, you should speak to a lawyer before applying for TPS because some crimes will prevent you from receiving TPS. 

If you have TPS from any country except Venezuela or Haiti, your TPS is valid until the expiration date. If you have a work permit based on TPS, your work permit is valid as well. If you have a pending TPS application, your TPS application is still pending until you receive a decision.  

On Feb. 2, 2025, the U.S. government announced that it was ending the previous extension of TPS for immigrants from Venezuela. If you first applied for Venezuelan TPS on or after Oct. 3, 2023, your TPS is now valid only until April 7, 2025. If you applied before Oct. 3, 2023, your TPS should be valid until Sept. 10, 2025. 

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On Feb. 20, 2025, the U.S. government announced that it is shortening the length of TPS for immigrants from Haiti. Previously, TPS for Haiti was valid until Feb. 3, 2026. Now, it will expire on Aug. 3, 2025.  

People with TPS can also apply for asylum or other types of immigration status, if eligible. This can be a complicated decision that depends on your specific circumstances. If you decide to apply for another immigration status, it is best to apply before your TPS expires.  

New protections for some countries 

Afghanistan: Immigrants from Afghanistan who have been in the U.S. since Sept. 20, 2023, can now apply for TPS. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must receive your TPS application for Afghanistan by May 20, 2025.  

Burma (Myanmar): Immigrants from Burma who have been in the U.S. since March 21, 2024, can now apply for TPS. If you are applying for TPS for Burma for the first time, USCIS must receive your TPS application by Nov. 25, 2025.  

Cameroon: Immigrants from Cameroon who have been in the U.S. since Oct. 5, 2023, can now apply for TPS. USCIS must receive your TPS application for Cameroon by June 7, 2025.  

Ethiopia: Immigrants from Ethiopia who have been in the U.S. since April 11, 2024, can now apply for TPS. If you are applying for TPS for Ethiopia for the first time, USCIS must receive your TPS application by Dec. 12, 2025.  

Hong Kong: Immigrants from Hong Kong who have been in the U.S. since Jan. 26, 2023, may be able to receive DED, a different form of protection from deportation.  

Lebanon: Immigrants from Lebanon who have been in the U.S. since Oct. 16, 2024, can now apply for TPS. USCIS must receive your TPS application by May 27, 2026. Also, immigrants from Lebanon who have been in the U.S. since July 26, 2024, may be able to receive DED, a different form of protection from deportation.  

Liberia: Immigrants from Liberia who have been in the U.S. since May 20, 2017, may be able to receive DED, a different form of protection from deportation.  

Palestine: Immigrants from Palestine who have been in the U.S. since Feb. 14, 2024, may be able to receive DED, a different form of protection from deportation.  

Somalia: Immigrants from Somalia who have been in the U.S. since July 12, 2024, can now apply for TPS. If you are applying for TPS for Somalia for the first time, USCIS must receive your TPS application by March 17, 2026.  

South Sudan: Immigrants from South Sudan who have been in the U.S. since Sept. 4, 2023, can now apply for TPS. USCIS must receive your TPS application for South Sudan by May 3, 2025.  

Sudan: Immigrants from Sudan who have been in the U.S. since Aug. 16, 2023, can now apply for TPS. If you already have TPS for Sudan and you would like to keep your TPS, USCIS must have received your TPS application by March 18, 2025. If you are applying for TPS for Sudan for the first time, USCIS must receive your TPS application by April 19, 2025.  

Syria: Immigrants from Syria who have been in the U.S. since Jan. 25, 2024, can now apply for TPS. If you are applying for TPS for Syria for the first time, USCIS must receive your TPS application by Sept. 30, 2025.  

Ukraine: Immigrants from Ukraine who have been in the U.S. since Aug. 16, 2023 can now apply for TPS. If you already have TPS for Ukraine and you would like to keep your TPS, USCIS must have received your TPS application by March 18, 2025. If you are applying for TPS for Ukraine for the first time, USCIS must receive your TPS application for Ukraine by April 19, 2025.  

Yemen: Immigrants from Yemen who have been in the U.S. since July 2, 2024, can now apply for TPS. If you are applying for TPS for Yemen for the first time, USCIS must receive your TPS application by March 3, 2026. 

Note: If you do not have a case in immigration court, a pending asylum application, or a different pending immigration application, the U.S. government may not know that you are in the country. Applying for TPS will let the government know where you are. If you already have a case in immigration court, a pending asylum application, or a different pending immigration application, then the U.S. government already knows you are in the country, and these risks associated with applying for TPS may not affect you.